Light illuminated toy device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a toy device that creates a visual illusion using a vibrating figure and strobe lighting. The user controls the strobe illumination frequency, as well as other potential aspects, to create different visual illusion effects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Toys displaying visual effects, such as movement and light, arepopular with children of all ages. Children enjoy playing with toysdisplaying visual effects, and adults delight in the enjoyment ofchildren at play with such toys. Moreover, adults themselves can enjoyplaying with amusing and entertaining toys displaying movement andlight.

[0002] Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are light devices that have a longeruser-life compared to filament light bulbs. LEDs also use lesselectrical energy, are usually smaller, and can flash more rapidly thanfilament light bulbs. LEDs can also exhibit various visual and opticaleffects involving different colors, blinking rates, and flashingpatterns.

[0003] One aspect of human visual perception that has given rise to anumber of optical effects devices is the phenomenon of visual memory. Ithas been known for several centuries that human vision displays apersistence phenomenon. This persistence phenomenon is based on the factthat humans retain visual images for a brief period after reception ofthe image.

[0004] This persistence phenomenon allows humans to ignore the hundredsof times per day their eyelids blink. Further, the persistencephenomenon eliminates the detection of the on-off electric lightcycling, or flashing at rates of 60 Hz (e.g. cycles per second) orfaster. Perhaps the most widely recognized and obvious example of thevisual persistence phenomenon is motion pictures (movies), where stillpictures flash upon a screen at a rate of 60 images per second. Becauseof the display rate, the visual persistence phenomenon allows suchimages to be perceived by humans as a seamless blend of continuousmotion. Another example of the persistence phenomenon is humanperception of a rapidly spinning wheel, which can appear to slow down,stop spinning, and even reverse direction at various rotation speeds.The visual refreshment rate is variable, but, in general, humans beginto perceive flickering images at about 24 Hz (e.g. 24 images persecond).

[0005] A strobe light can also create a “stop motion” visual effect asit flashes bright light on visual scenes in rapid succession. HaroldEdgerton, a scientist and photographer at the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology, perfected a technique in 1931 for high-speed and stop-motionphotography using strobe lighting. Photographs using this technique showsuch scenes as a bullet piercing an apple or a light bulb shattering.Strobe lighting is currently used at various entertainment events.

[0006] Well known children's toys include the use of animated cartooncharacters and toy figureS. Animated dolls and toy figures are almostuniversally found in a child's toy collection. Dolls and toy figures ofall sizes displaying life-like movement have fascinated children fordecades and remain very popular with children in a wide age range.

[0007] Various mechanisms have been used to impart movement to toyfigureS. These mechanisms range from purely manual mechanisms, such asstrings on puppets, to purely mechanical, such as a wind-up springmechanism. Attempts to use very complicated electro-mechanical designsin children's toys, including computer control technology, have been metwith very limited success.

[0008] Imparting life-like movement in small toy figures has also provento be very difficult, if not impossible. The smaller the figure, themore difficult it is to construct with an internal mechanism to impartmovement. Moreover, a smaller figure dictates a smaller, andconsequently more delicate, internal mechanism with a correspondinglyhigher breakage rate. Further, the constraints on movement schemes haslimited the ability of toys to emulate life-like motion. There remains aneed for new innovations and techniques to impart realistic movement insmall toy figureS. Moreover, there is also a present need to impartvariable motion of a figure in a toy device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention takes advantage of human persistence phenomenon tocreate a toy figure displaying realistic, life-like, and variablemovements. The toy has a shaft or handle with at least one semi-flexiblefigure affixed to the top of the handle and a globe covering andsurrounding the area where the figure affixes to the handle. An electricmotor within the handle vibrates the affixed figure, and a lightemitting diode (LED) strobe generator illuminates the toy figure at aspecified flashing frequency.

[0010] The handle features a control for adjusting the LED strobefrequency, as well as an on-off switch for the electric motor and LEDstrobe light. Alternative embodiments allow the user to also control therate and direction of the figure's movement, the intensity of the LED, aselection of LED combinations or color of LEDs, and a selection ofdifferent toy figures for movement in the toy device.

[0011] During operation, the electric motor causes the affixed figure onthe handle to vibrate rapidly and become visually indistinct. Theappendages on the figure in the toy device, as well the figure itself,vibrate and gyrate at a very high frequency. The LED illuminates thevibrating figure with an LED generated light source, and by adjustingthe frequency of the LED strobe flashing, the strobe frequency andvibration frequency can be synchronized to induce a stop-motion orslow-motion visual effect. When in proper synchronization, the vibratingfigure can be adjusted to vary the visual impression including anappearance of dancing or movement in a life-like manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The objects and features of the invention will become morereadily understood from the following detailed description and appendedclaims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in whichlike numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0013]FIG. 1A is a side view of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 1B is a front view of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 1C is a back view of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a top view of the platform of the invention without thefigure or external globe;

[0017]FIG. 3A is a side view of a figure used in the invention;

[0018]FIG. 3B is a front view of a figure used in the invention;

[0019]FIG. 4 is an internal view of the handle used in the invention;and

[0020]FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic of the motor and strobe circuitused in the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021]FIG. 1A shows a side view of the external configuration of theinvention. The toy device has a handle or shaft 5. On the front of thehandle 5, there is an on-off switch 10, and on the back, there is athumb wheel 15. On top of the handle 5, there is an open-bottom,transparent globe 25 with hooks 30 to help hold the globe 25 in place.

[0022] The electrical components of the toy device are located insidethe handle 5. These components include a power source (batteries), theLED timing or strobe circuit, and the vibration assembly. An accesscover 20 provides access to the interior of the toy device to allow easyreplacement of the batteries. On the front of the handle 5, there is anon-off switch 10, which selectively opens and closes the electricalcircuit powering the toy device's vibration assembly and the LED strobecircuit. This switch is normally controlled by a user's index fingerwhen held in its usual manner. The thumb wheel 15 on the back of thehandle 5 connects to a frequency controller element, preferably avariable resistor, which adjusts the flashing or strobe frequency of theLEDs on the toy device. The handle 5 itself is constructed of plastic orsome other light-weight, rigid or semi-rigid material.

[0023] The transparent globe 25 attached to the top of the handle 5permits the user to view the figure, which is protected by the globe 25.While the affixed figure can be viewed from many different perspectivesor angles, a user holding the toy device will normally view the figurethrough the globe 25 from the backside of the toy device. The globe 25has an open-bottom and may be secured to the handle 5 aided by the hooks30. Alternatively, the hooks 30 may be part of a friction fit or someother fastening mechanism for globe 25, so the globe 25 can beselectively removed, providing access to the top of the handle 5 andpermit the user to interchange a number of different figureS.

[0024]FIG. 1B shows a front view of the toy device. The front of thehandle 5 includes the on-off switch 10 that controls the electriccircuit located inside the handle 5. This on-off switch 10 is normallyoperated by the index finger of the user. In normal usage, the front ofthe toy device faces away from the user. On the top of the handle 5,there are hooks 30 that help secure the open-bottom, transparent globe25 in place.

[0025] A back view of the toy device is shown in FIG. 1C. The handle 5includes the thumb wheel 15, which controls the LED strobe frequency. Onthe top of the toy device is an open-bottom, transparent globe 25.Inside the globe 25, there is a toy device FIG. 50 attached to avibration assembly mounted inside the handle 5. While the figure can beviewed from many different angles, a usual viewing perspective of thefigure is from the backside of the toy device. The hooks 30 on the sideof the handle 5 help secure the globe 25 to the handle 5.

[0026] In the embodiment described herein, the handle 5 will ideally bebetween 4.5″ to 5″ in length, 1″ to 1.25″ wide, and 1.5″ to 1.75″ indepth. The globe 25 will ideally be between 3″ to 4″ in diameter.Although not critical to the visual illusion of the invention, thesedimensions provide a preferred base-line for the intended use of the toydevice.

[0027] A top view of the handle 5 with the globe 25 removed is shown inFIG. 2. A platform stage 301 is the top surface of the handle 5. In thecenter of the platform stage 301 is a circular opening 305 into theinterior of handle 5 of the toy device. Extending from the opening 305is a post 310 attached to the vibration assembly located inside thehandle 5 of the toy device. The FIG. 50 (not shown) can be attached tothe post 310 securing the figure to the vibration assembly mountedinside handle 5.

[0028] On the platform stage 301 are three light emitting diodes (LEDs)315, 316, and 317 arranged in a 90° arc centered around the opening 305.The LEDs 315, 316, and 317 emit the strobe light directed to the figurepositioned on post 310. By illuminating LEDs 315,316, and 317, thevisual illusion of movement in the affixed FIG. 50 (not shown) on post310 is created. Although three LEDs 315,316, and 317 in an arc providegood overall illumination in this embodiment, a variable number of LEDsmay be used. For example, eight LEDs could be arranged to completelyilluminate the entire figure, or a number of arrays of two or more LEDsin different colors may be arranged around the figure Additionalcontrols on the handle 5 can be used to control which combination of LEDarrays illuminate, vary the angle of illumination, or vary the color ofillumination.

[0029] The LEDs 315, 316, and 317 should be positioned between 1″ to1.25″ from the figure to obtain the optimal visual effect of theillusion. Other configurations can be used in the toy device withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. For example, the distance ofthe LEDs can be varied to vary the visual illusion. One or more of theLEDs can also be elevated above the stage platform 301. Moreover, LEDscan be placed on the globe 25 and direct light toward the figure fromthe front, side, or top of the globe 25. The hooks 330 may also containLEDs for illuminating the figure.

[0030] The outer edge 320 of the stage platform 301 is a raised lip orwall in which the open-bottom globe 25 fits. This outer edge 320 in thepreferred embodiment is designed for permanently securing the globe 25in place. Alternatively, this outer edge 320 may comprise screw-likethreads or a surface enhancing a friction fit removably securing theglobe 25 to the toy device. The hooks 330 also provide additionalsupport and protection and enhance attachment.

[0031]FIG. 3A shows a side view for an embodiment of a FIG. 401 used inthe invention. Viewed from the side, the FIG. 401 is flat and made froma soft, semi-flexible material, such as rubber, which readily vibrates.The FIG. 401, however, may also be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigidmaterial. A base 405 attaches to the post 310 (FIG. 2) securing the FIG.401 to the vibration assembly inside the handle 5 of the toy device.

[0032] A rigid metal or hard plastic mounting bracket 410 extendsupwardly from the base 405 into the back of the FIG. 401. The base 405connects directly to the vibration assembly by the post 310 (FIG. 2) toimpart the maximum amount of vibrating motion to the mounting bracket410. By attaching the mounting bracket 410 to the back of FIG. 401, thearms 415 and feet 417, or any other appurtenances or appendages, freelyrespond to the vibration. Alternatively, the mounting bracket 410 canalso be attached to other placements on the FIG. 401 to vary themovement of the FIG. 401.

[0033]FIG. 3B is a front view of the FIG. 401. The FIG. 401 has two arms415 and two legs 417. The base 405 connects to the FIG. 401 using arigid mounting bracket 410 extending from the base 405 up to themid-level of the back of the FIG. 401, where it attaches to the back ofthe FIG. 401. During operation, the vibration from the vibrationassembly causes the arms 415 and legs 417 to vibrate and gyrate alongwith rest of the body of FIG. 401.

[0034] Other alternative embodiments for the FIG. 401 include a basewith multiple figures attached to the mounting bracket 410 or base 405.Other whimsical objects, such as balls or rocketships, may be placed onthe mounting bracket 410 or base 405. A figure can also be used designedfor viewing from a full 360° angle, with the mounting bracket 410extending up through the bottom of the figure. Another embodiment canvary the type of movement of the figure to include slowly rotating thefigure or rapidly twirling the figure The FIG. 401 may also bepermanently mounted, or the FIG. 401 may be removably affixed allowing amultitude of figures to be attached to post 310 of the toy device. Aflexible mounting bracket, such as a spring, may be used to dampen thevibration imparted to the FIG. 401.

[0035]FIG. 4 shows a side sectional view revealing the interior of thehandle 5 in the toy device. The handle body 501 is hollow andconstructed of a rigid, or semi-rigid, light-weight material such asplastic. An electrical strobe circuit board 505 is mounted in the handle501. The thumb wheel 510 adjusts a frequency control element connectedto the circuit board 505 by electrical connector 506. The strobe circuitboard 505 also connects to the LED 515 (or LED combination) byelectrical connector 507. Although only one LED 515 is shown, more thanone LED can be connected with each other or in series to the strobecircuit board 505.

[0036] The electrical circuit is also connected to a power source, suchas two AA-size electric batteries, at electrical terminal 509. The powersource (not shown) are isolated from the actual internal electricalcomponents and mechanism by a molded cavity or covering 530. Theelectrical connector 526 connects the positive terminal 509 from thepower source. An electrical connector 512 connects the ground terminal508 of the batteries to the strobe circuit board 505.

[0037] The electrical circuit and terminal 509 provide power to thevibration assembly 520. The vibration assembly 520 mounts within thehandle 501 using soft-mounts 521 that do not firmly anchor the vibrationassembly to the handle 501. This mounting configuration does notexcessively restrict vibration. The mounting scheme surrounds thevibration assembly 520 with soft-mounts 521 to provide amble space forthe vibration assembly 520 to impart vibration movement to the figure.

[0038] A post 523 extends upward from the vibration assembly 520 andfits into the base 405 (FIG. 3A) of the FIG. 401 (FIG. 3A). An on-offswitch 511 selectively turns both the vibration assembly 520 and thestrobe LEDs 515 on and off. Alternatively, a separate on-off switch orvariable switch can also be provided for the vibration assembly 520 andthe LEDs 515.

[0039] The on-off switch 511 connects to the vibration assembly byelectrical connector 522 and to the strobe circuit board 505 byelectrical connector 528. The on-off switch 511 also connects to theterminal 509 over electrical connector 526.

[0040] In operation, the operator activates the on-off switch 511 toprovide electrical power to the strobe circuit board 505, LEDs 515, andthe vibration assembly 520. The vibration assembly 520 consists of anelectric motor rotating an off-center weight. When powered, the rotatingoff-center weight causes vibration. A figure (not shown) attached to thepost 523 rapidly vibrates in response to the electric motor rotating theoffcenter weight and causing vibration of the post 523 in the vibrationassembly 520. The vibration frequency depends upon the mass of therotating weight, the rotation speed of the motor, the mass of thecharacter, the rigidity of the soft-mounts 521, and the degree offreedom of movement within the handle 501. Other types of vibrationassemblies can be used and are contemplated by the invention. A variablecontrol can also be used to modify the rate of vibration, and othercontrols can be added to control the direction of the figure's movement.

[0041] As a figure attached to the post 523 vibrates, the LEDs 515illuminate the FIG. These LEDs 515 are positioned between 1″ and 1.25″from the attached figure to achieve the optimal visual effect. Theelectrical circuit for the LEDs 515 includes the circuit board 505,which produces an oscillating, pulsing electric current causing the LEDs515 to intermittently illuminate and produce strobe lighting.

[0042] The thumb wheel 510 connected to the circuit board 505 byelectrical connector 506 adjusts the frequency of the LEDs 515illumination. Preferably, the thumb wheel 510 adjusts a variableresistor to vary the strobe frequency or, alternatively, the thumb wheel510 may adjust a variable capacitor (not shown). The LEDs 515 in turnilluminate the figure, such as FIG. 50 (FIG. 1C) and 401 (FIG. 3A), withthe variable frequency strobe light.

[0043] A toy device user can adjust the frequency of the strobe LEDs 515using the thumb wheel 510. By synchronizing the strobe frequency of theLEDs 515 with the frequency of vibration, a rapidly vibrating FIG. 50(FIG. 1C) or 401 (FIG. 3A) can be illuminated with the strobe lightingand create the illusion of variable movement. This visual illusion isthe result of the persistence phenomenon of human vision.

[0044] Variable visual effects can be created by deftly varying thefrequency of the flashing LEDs 515. The vibrating illuminated FIG. 401(FIG. 3A) or 50 (FIG. 1C) can appear to be dancing or moving by varyingthe frequency of the strobe LEDs 515 using the thumb wheel 510. Lookingat FIG. 401 (FIG. 3A), the arms 415 and feet 417 can be made to appearto sway back and forth and up and down relatively slowly. Adjustment ofthe thumb wheel 510 can even “freeze” the FIG. 401 (FIG. 3A) in place.

[0045] Alternative embodiments can also be used in the invention. Acontrol can be added to control the speed of rotation of the electricmotor, varying the vibration frequency of the vibration assembly 520.Rather than rotating an off-center weight, the electric motor in thevibration assembly 520 may rotate an off-center cam which would vibratethe figure in a different manner. Although three LEDs 515 arranged in a90° arc provide adequate illumination from a frontal aspect, more LEDsmay be provided, including different colored LEDs to create differentlighting effects. Moreover, an array of multiple LEDs 515 may be used toprovide illumination over a greater aspect of the figure up to a full360° range. Additional electrical components can also be added toprovide sound and create one or more musical tunes.

[0046]FIG. 5 shows one electric circuit used in the embodiment. Thepower source 610 is a 3-volt source connected to a ground connector 611through connector 614, capacitor 615, and connector 616. In thepreferred embodiment, the power source 610 consists of two size-AAbatteries connected in series and delivering 3 volts of power. Connectedto the power source by connector 614 is a 100 μF. capacitor (C1) 615.The capacitor 615 connects to the ground 611 by connector 616. An on-offelectrical switch (S1) 620 selectively provides power to the circuit andconnects to the ground 611 by connector 619.

[0047] Three LEDs are shown connected to the power source 610 byconnection 623. LED D2 625, LED D4 630, and LED D3 635 connect to anintegrated circuit (1C) 640 at L2 (pin 9). LED 625 is coupled toconnector 623 and connector 624. LED 630 is coupled to connector 623 andconnector 629. LED 635 is coupled to connector 623 and connector 634.The LEDs 625, 630, and 635 connect to connector 627, which connects tothe integrated circuit 640. LED D2 625 is coupled to connector 627 andconnector 626. LED D4 630 is coupled to connector 627 and connector 631.LED D3 635 is coupled to connector 627 and connector 636.

[0048] The integrated circuit (1C) 640 generates an oscillating signalrequired to generate the strobe effect. The integrated circuit 640 shownpossesses 9-pins for connection within the circuit and operation. Poweris supplied to the integrated circuit 640 through connector 641 to theVCC (pin 6), which is coupled to power supply 610. The power supplyprovides a Vcc power source.

[0049] A variable resistor (VR) 645, providing between 5,000 and 100,000ohms resistance, is coupled to the integrated circuit 640 by connector644 to the OSC1 (pin 2) and connector 646 to OSCO (pin 3). This variableresistor 645 controls the frequency of illumination of the LEDs 625,630, and 635.

[0050] A feedback loop 642 is coupled to connectors 643 and 653. Thisfeedback loop 642 provides a reference voltage and current to regulatethe current oscillation of the integrated circuit 640.

[0051] An electric motor 650 creates the vibration in the toy device.The electric motor (M) 650 is coupled to the power supply 610 throughconnector 654, diode 655, and connector 649. Connector 654 is alsocoupled to the integrated circuit 640 via the junction of connector 641and connector 654. The diode (D1) 655 controls the direction of currentflow from connector 654 through connector 649 to the motor 650. Themotor 650 is also coupled to the switch 620 by connector 656 andconnector 651, and also connects to connector 653 and connector 643 andthe ground (pin 8) on the integrated circuit 640.

[0052] In operation, closing the switch 620 completes the electricalcircuit connection permitting current to flow and energize the motor650, the integrated circuit 640, and the LEDs 625, 630, and 635. Therotating motor 650 vibrates the figure The LEDs 625, 630, and 635 flashintermittingly at the oscillation frequency set by the current generatedby the integrated circuit 640. The operator controls the oscillationfrequency of current generated by the integrated circuit 640 flowing tothe LEDs 625, 630, and 635, and the associated rate of intermittentillumination, by adjusting the variable resistor 645.

[0053]FIG. 6 shows a second electric circuit used in the embodiment. Thepower source is a battery power source (BAT) 710 providing 3 volts ofpower. In the preferred embodiment, the power source 710 consists of twosize-AA batteries connected in series and delivering 3 volts of power.Connected to the battery 710 by connector 719 is an on-off electricalswitch (S1) 720 for selectively providing power to the circuit. Closingthe switch 720 completes the circuit to the ground connector 711 to thebattery 710 and energizes the circuit.

[0054] Three LEDs are shown connected to the battery 710. LED D2 725 isconnected to battery 710 by connector 724. LED D4 730 is connected tobattery 710 by connector 729. LED D3 735 is connected to battery 710 byconnector 734. All three LEDs in turn are coupled to the integratedcircuit (IC) 740 at L2 (pin 9) by connector 725. LED D2 725 is coupledto connector 727 by connector 726. LED D4 730 is coupled to connector727 by connector 731. LED D3 735 is coupled to connector 727 byconnector 736.

[0055] The integrated circuit (IC) 740 generates an oscillating signalrequired to generate the strobe effect. The integrated circuit 740 shownpossesses 9-pins for connection within the circuit and operation. Poweris supplied to the integrated circuit 740 through connector 741 to theVCC (pin 6), which is coupled to the switch 720. The battery 710provides a Vcc power source through the connection to the VCC viaconnector 719, the switch 720, and connector 741.

[0056] A variable resistor (VR) 745, providing up to 20,000 ohmsresistance, is coupled to the integrated circuit 740 by connector 744 tothe OSC1 (pin 2) and connector 746 to the OSCO (pin 3). This variableresistor 745 controls the frequency of illumination of the LEDs 725,730, and 735.

[0057] The integrated circuit 740 connects to the ground (e.g. negativeterminal) of battery 710 by two connections. Connector 742 connects theonoff control (ON/OFF pin 7) on the integrated circuit 740 to thebattery 710 through connector 711. Connector 743 connects the ground(GND pin 8) on the integrated circuit 740 to the battery 710 throughconnector 711.

[0058] An electric motor (M) 750 creates the vibration in the toydevice. The electric motor (M) 750 connects to the battery 710 viaconnector 711 to connector 748 and connector 749. Connector 754 branchesoff from the junction of connector 748 and 749 to diode (D1) 755.Connector 714 branches off from the junction of connector 748 andconnector 749 to a 0.1 μF ceramic capacitor (C1) 715. Connector 750connects the switch (S1) 720 and diode (D1) 755 via connector 756, tomotor (M) 750 via connector 751, and to capacitor (C1) 715 via connector716. Connector 750 is also coupled to LED 725 by connector 724, to LED730 by connector 729, and to LED 735 by connector 736. The Vcc of theintegrated circuit 740 (Vcc at pin 6) also connects to connector 750 byconnector 741.

[0059] In operation, closing the switch 720 completes the electricalcircuit connection permitting current to flow and energize the motor750, the integrated circuit 740, and the LEDs 725, 730, and 735. Therotating motor 750 vibrates the FIG. The LEDs 725, 730, and 735 flashintermittingly at the oscillation frequency corresponding to the currentoscillation frequency generated by the integrated circuit 740. Theoperator controls the oscillation frequency of current generated by theintegrated circuit 740 flowing to the LEDs 725, 730, and 735, and theassociated rate of intermittent illumination, by adjusting the variableresistor 745. In this embodiment, the LED strobe frequency providesacceptable visual effects at a frequency between 15 Hz and 25 Hz. In analternative embodiment, the switch (S1) 720 and variable resistor (VR)745 are combined into a single element, so that depressing the rotaryspeed control (e.g. the resistor 745) also closes the switch 720.

[0060] Controlling the frequency of the current oscillation enables theoperator to create and control the illusion of variable movement.Another alternative is to leave the strobe light frequency constant andadjust the vibration frequency to achieve the desired visual effects.Other alternate embodiments can include control over the direction ofthe figure's movement, the intensity of the LEDs, and different coloredLEDs.

[0061] While the invention has been particularly shown and describedwith respect to preferred embodiments, it will be readily understoodthat minor changes in the details of the invention may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. Having described theinvention,

We claim:
 1. A toy device capable of creating a unique visual illusioncomprising: a body having a top, bottom, front, back, and two sides; avibration assembly located in said body with a post connector extendingout of the vibration assembly and activated by a switch; a first objectattached to the post connector, said first object vibrating when thevibration assembly is operating; and at least one light sourceilluminating said first object with a strobe effect.
 2. The toy devicecapable of creating a unique visual illusion of claim 1 furthercomprising: an accessible control setting a first variable component tovary the illumination frequency.
 3. The toy device capable of creating aunique visual illusion of claim 1 further comprising: an accessiblecontrol setting a second variable component to vary the vibrationfrequency.
 4. The toy device capable of creating a unique visualillusion of claim 1 further comprising: one or more accessible controlscoupled to one or more variable components respectively to set theillumination and the vibration frequency.
 5. The toy device capable ofcreating a unique visual illusion of claim 1 wherein the light source islight emitting diodes positioned between 0.75 inches and 1.5 inches fromthe FIG.
 6. The toy device capable of creating a unique visual illusionof claim 1 wherein the light source is different colored light emittingdiodes.
 7. The toy device capable of creating a unique visual illusionof claim 1 wherein the figure is illuminated in a arc covering from a30° to a full 360° arc relative to the center of the front of the body.8. A method of operating an illuminated toy device comprising the stepsof: providing a figure made of a semi-flexible material; attaching saidfigure to a vibration assembly using a post connector extending from thevibration assembly, said vibration assembly including an electric motor;vibrating the figure using the vibration assembly; and illuminating thefigure with a strobe light source providing a visual effect throughintermittent illumination.
 9. The method of operating an illuminated toydevice of claim 8 wherein the strobe light source is at least one lightemitting diode.
 10. The method of operating an illuminated toy device ofclaim 8 wherein the strobe light source is controlled by the user tovary the illumination frequency from 15 Hz to 25 Hz.
 11. The method ofoperating an illuminated toy device of claim 8 wherein the intermittentillumination is controlled using a variable resistor.
 12. The method ofoperating an illuminated toy device of claim 8 wherein the strobe lightsource includes a colored light source.
 13. The method of operating anilluminated toy device of claim 8 further comprising the step of:varying the frequency of figure vibration using a controller in anelectric circuit.
 14. The method of operating an illuminated toy deviceof claim 8 further comprising the step of: varying the frequency ofstrobe light intermittent illumination and frequency of figure vibrationto create the illusion of variable movement of the vibrating figureusing at least one controller.
 15. A toy device capable of creating avisual illusion comprising: a body with a top, a bottom, sides, said tophaving an aperture; a post connector extending from said aperture in thetop of said body; a vibration assembly mounted within the body andcoupled to said post connector so as to vibrate said post connector; afigure attached to said post connector that is vibrated by the postconnector and vibration assembly; a strobe light source illuminating thefigure with at least one light source radiating toward the figure; andat least one controller accessible on the body assembly capable ofadjusting the visual illusion.
 16. The toy device capable of creating avisual illusion of claim 15 wherein the strobe light source has at leastone light emitting diode illuminating the figure with an intermittentillumination.
 17. The toy device capable of creating a visual illusionof claim 15 wherein the strobe light source possesses one or morecolored light components.
 18. The toy device capable of creating avisual illusion of claim 15 wherein the vibration assembly can vary thevibration frequency of the post connector.
 19. The toy device capable ofcreating a visual illusion of claim 18 wherein the frequency ofvibration is controlled to create the illusion of slower movement of thevibrating figure using a controller.
 20. The toy device capable ofcreating a visual illusion of claim 15 wherein the figure rotates aroundan axis extending perpendicular from the plane of the top of the body.